Neighbours' shock after schoolboy shot while travelling on motorbike in Sunderland

Gary Oliver

People living in a Sunderland street where a 15-year-old boy was shot have spoken of their shock as the teenager continues to fight for his life.

A 39-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy remain in custody after being arrested on suspicion of commiting GBH after the 15-year-old, who had been travelling on a motorbike, was found injured in Hewitt Avenue, Ryhope, last night.

The boy was taken to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary where his condition remains critical.

Mum Brogan Connify was in her Hewitt Avenue home just yards away from where the boy was shot.

"It was more like a big bang, a clatter really, said the 21-year-old who is mum to Wyatt, one.

"There are usually four or five kids playing around on bikes but you don't expect it to happen.

"I've only lived here a year but it's such a nice and welcoming community which is why this is such a shock."

A towel covered in blood has been left on pavement next to where the teenager was injured.

Scott Craik, 25, who lives just streets away from Hewitt Avenue, said: "It's not a quiet area around here but this is something new.

"Some of the teenagers cause chaos, they just run riot.

"But I've not seen or heard of anything this bad happening before."

One mum who lives in the street told the Echo: "It's like something you see on the news, but you wouldn't expect to see it happen in your own street

"The only time we heard the sirens was when they took the lad away. We've heard he is still alive."

Another resident added: "I've lived here for a good few years now and it is starting to get worse.

"It used to be nice and peaceful around here but I cannot wait to get out now.

"It's all been kicking off since last night but we don't really know how it happened."

A cordon remains in place on part of the street and police are still in the area.

Other local residents took to the Echo's Facebook page to speak of their shock.

Sandra Harrison said: "I live round the corner and couldn't get down here this morning. Definitely not fake and there is a police car (or there was) behind the camera."

Charlotte Elizabeth Perry posted: "Some young boy has been shot i live just a few seconds away from here

Tracey Pike ·added: " There is police all over the street I live in the street."